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IB : Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is IB? What are IB Programs?

IB is the abbreviation for International Baccalaureate. It is an internationally-recognized school system made up of three educational programs:
PYP: The Primary Years Program (Kindergarten to Grade 5).
MYP: The Middle Years Program (Grade 6 to Grade 10).
DP: The Diploma Program (Grade 11 to Grade 12).

Where is IB located?

Funded by the United Nations (UN), the IB program was founded in 1968 by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), a non-profit educational organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. The IBO is an international organization, not associated with any particular country and free of national political educational agendas.

How is IB different from other programs?

The IB program is more practical and application-based. It has a broader spectrum of subjects that lead to all-round development. IB examinations test students' knowledge, not their memory and speed. There are no examinations till the Middle Years Program (Class 10). The focus of the IB pedagogy is on 'how to learn' rather than 'what to learn'. The IB curriculum is more challenging than educational boards like CBSE and ICSE. But the challenge is in the quality of assignments, not in the amount of work assigned.

Are there any prescribed textbooks for IB?

There are no prescribed textbooks; students can choose their own books. The purpose of IB is to produce global citizens.
But sometimes, the IB program does use the local curriculum as a base. For example, Hindi can be offered as a second language in the IB Diploma Program.

What are the subjects in PYP?

Subjects in the Primary Years Program (PYP) are:
1. Language
2. Social Studies
3. Mathematics
4. Science and Technology
5. Arts
6. Personal, Social and Physical education

What are the subjects in MYP?

Subjects in the Middle Years Program (MYP) are:
1. 1st Language
2. 2nd Language
3. Humanities (History and Geography)
4. Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)
5. Mathematics (Number, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics)
6. Arts (Visual Arts and Performing Arts)
7. Physical Education
8. Technology (Computers)

What are the subjects in DP?

DP students choose one subject from each of the following six 'Subject Groups':
Group 1: First Language (English)
Group 2: Second Language (French, Hindi, etc).
Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History, Economics, Business and Management, etc).
Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems).
Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science.
Group 6: Electives (either Visual Arts or a second subject from Groups 3, 4 or 5).
In addition, all DP students must study a two-year course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK); work to produce an Extended Essay (EE); and engage in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).

What are TOK, EE and CAS?

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an essay of 1,200-1,600 words written on a given title (from a choice of ten), followed by a ten-minute presentation of the essay by the DP student in class.

Extended Essay (EE) is an original independent research project leading a DP student to produce a comprehensible written piece of 3,500-4,000 words in any chosen subject and title.

Under Creative, Action and Service (CAS), each DP student must complete at least 150 hours spread out over one-and-a-half years, engaging in some form of Creativity, participating in sport or other physical Action, and doing social Service.

What are IB World Schools?

Schools recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and offering the IB curriculum are known as IB World Schools.

Can a student do the IB Diploma after completing his/ her schooling through a different board?

Yes. Although the PYP, MYP and DP form a continuous sequence, each can be offered independently too. A CBSE student can join the IB Diploma Program for 10+2 level qualifications instead of the Class 12 CBSE, ICSE or State Board exams.

Is the IB recognized in India and worldwide?

The rigorousness and high standards of IB ensure that colleges and universities around the world recognize the IB Diploma as a superior academic program and a strong university entry credential. Over 50,000 students appeared for the IB Diploma Program in May 2004.

Association of Indian Universities (AIU) rates IB at par with Class 12 CBSE, ICSE, NIOS or State Boards. But every now and then, one hears of stray incidents of IB students finding difficulty in getting admission in certain Indian colleges and universities.

What are the Top 4 reasons for choosing IB?

1. The IB Diploma has earned a universal reputation for rigorous assessment, giving students access to the top colleges and universities in India and the world. IB is fast becoming the program of choice for Indian students preparing to pursue higher education abroad.
2. The IB curriculum equips students with the tools needed to succeed in higher education, such as self-confidence, preparedness, research skills, organizational skills and being actively engaged in self learning.
3. Some universities even offer scholarships to IB diploma holders.
4. University admissions around the world are getting more competitive by the day. Admission officers are increasingly looking for other evidence that a student will succeed in the university - such as exposure to a quality curriculum, research abilities, international outlook and social service - all enhanced by IB.

Is the IB only for the elite?

Pursuing the IB program can be very expensive, with annual fees as high as $6,000+. But the IBO vigorously maintains that the IB program is not elitist. Mahatma Gandhi International School, an IB World School based in Ahmedabad, is a 200-student municipal school.

Which are India’s IB World Schools?

There are 18 IB World Schools in India scattered over 11 cities. The list of IB World Schools in India is as follows:

Western India 1. American School of Bombay, Mumbai -- Day school offering PYP, MYP & DP 2. Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai -- Day school offering DP 3. Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai -- Day school offering DP 4. Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai -- Day school offering DP 5. Ahmedabad International School, Ahmedabad -- Day School offering PYP 6. Mahatma Gandhi International School, Ahmedabad -- Day school offering MYP 7. Mahindra United World College of India, Pune -- Residential school offering DP 8. Mercedes-Benz International School, Pune -- Day school offering PYP & MYP

North India 1. American Embassy School, Delhi -- Day school offering DP 2. The British School, Delhi -- Day school offering DP 3. Pathways World School, Gurgaon -- Residential school offering PYP & DP 4. SelaQui World School, Dehra Dun -- Residential school offering DP

South India 1. Canadian International School, Bangalore -- Mixed (Residential & Day) school offering DP 2. The International School of Bangalore, Bangalore – Mixed (Residential & Day) school offering DP 3. Oakridge International School, Hyderabad -- Day school offering PYP 4. Chinmaya International Residential School, Coimbatore -- Residential school offering DP 5. Good Shepherd International School, Ooty – Residential school offering DP 6. Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal – Residential school offering DP

East India No IB Schools in Eastern India yet.